Absolute Batman #1 is hailed as the highest selling comic book of 2024 according to DC Comics.
These impressive numbers also include all of the numerous additional printings. As of report writing, DC has churned out two print runs. Additionally it also released a special black and white noir edition of the issue. A 3rd printing of the first issue comes out tomorrow November 27th. The 4th printing is already set to come out on December 25th.
The Estimated Sales Numbers of ‘Absolute Batman’
Stating that it’s the best-selling comic of the year is a bold statement for DC Comics to make. It is especially interesting since most American comic book companies no longer release their sales data to the public. However, according to Popverse, the first printing of Absolute Batman #1 estimated sold over 200,000 copies. Subsequently, the 2nd printing sold about 20-35K copies and the 3rd printing sold an eye-popping 40-70K copies.
In comparison, 2024’s next biggest debut comics was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 was 300,000 copies. On any given year, a highly-successful comic issue sells over 100,000 copies. So with Absolute Batman #1 destroying those numbers even after multiple printings proves that there is genuinely high interest for the title.
What Does This Mean for DC?
This bolds very well for DC’s Absolute line and their All-In publishing initiative. Typically, a highly anticipated comic would open big with an issue number one but then drop off precipitously with either later printings or issues. However, retailers actually have increased their order amounts for these later printings. Additionally, the second issue has also sold out and will have 2nd printings soon. All of this seems to prove that the comic has genuine interest as opposed to just speculators buying the comic in droves.
Keep in mind, this is not even counting the sales that the comic made on digital platforms, so those sales numbers might inflate the comic even more.
The next printing of Absolute Batman #1 goes on sale November 27th. The 4th printing will feature a main and variant covers by series artist Nick Dragotta. Additionally, there will be a black and white wraparound foil variant cover by Dragotta, and a variant cover by Simone Di Meo.
Check out what DKN thought about the first issue here!
Source: thePopverse.com
All images maybe subject to copyright.